A herniated disc in the neck is painful and can flip your entire life upside down. When the discs between the vertebrae at C4/C5 or C5/C6 get damaged, they press on nerves. That pressure triggers pain, tingling, weakness, and sometimes numbness that can stretch down your arms and into your fingers.
C4/C5 and C5/C6 Disc Injuries
The cervical spine (the part that runs through your neck) has seven vertebrae. The C4/C5 and C5/C6 levels sit right in the middle of it, and they’re some of the most common spots for disc herniation.
The neck moves around a lot. It rotates, tilts, and supports the weight of your head all day, every day. In an accident, that movement gets thrown off balance. The discs between these vertebrae can bulge or rupture under pressure, pushing into the spinal canal or pinching the nearby nerves.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs at C4/C5 or C5/C6
The result of herniated discs at C4/C5 or C5/C6 is often pain that doesn’t go away, loss of strength, and trouble turning your head. In serious cases, the damage can require surgery or lead to long-term (maybe permanent) disability. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pain that doesn’t go away
- Loss of strength
Difficulty turning your head
Possible long-term (or permanent) disability in serious cases - No immediate pain in some cases, with symptoms developing later
- Nerve compression leading to chronic pain if untreated
- Potential permanent nerve damage without treatment
Some people are surprised to find that herniated discs don’t always cause intense pain. Many accident victims feel fine right afterward, only to develop symptoms later. Once the nerve compression starts, the condition usually doesn’t improve without treatment. Without it, the pain can become chronic, and nerve damage can become permanent.
Accidents That Can Cause Cervical Herniation
Accidents that commonly cause cervical herniation include:
- Car accidents: Car accidents are probably the most common cause of cervical herniation. Whiplash from being rear-ended can cause the spine to stretch unnaturally, and even if the impact was minor, the damage can turn out to be quite serious.
- Slips and falls: Falls can also lead to neck injuries. Anything from slipping on a wet casino floor to tripping on uneven pavement outside a hotel can send a hard jolt through the neck that’ll damage the spinal discs. The sudden force often compresses the vertebrae, which causes herniation.
- Workplace accidents: Jobs that require heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged sitting can strain the neck and spine, contributing to herniated discs. Those in industries like construction work and factory labor may be particularly at risk.
The impact of accidents like those listed above can place significant strain on the neck and spine, leading to herniated discs.
Why These Injuries Are Tricky in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a fast-moving city. Details can get lost quickly when accidents happen in the heavy traffic, packed sidewalks, and crowded venues. That can be a problem when it comes to proving what caused a herniated disc.
If someone gets hurt in a hotel, casino, or rideshare, the business or insurance company might try to say the injury wasn’t their fault. They may argue that the pain came from an old injury or was caused by something else. That makes it even more important to connect the dots early between the symptoms and the accident.
Witness statements, medical records, and pictures and video of the scene all make a difference for a personal injury claim. It’s also important to get an early diagnosis from a specialist who understands cervical disk injuries.
The Real Impact of a Neck Injury
A herniated disc is a lot more than just a pain in the neck. People with these injuries often can’t work like they used to — and sometimes can’t return to work at all. Some can’t drive or sleep well, and others need ongoing physical therapy, injections, or surgery just to function from day to day.
In a place like Las Vegas, where many jobs involve hospitality, a lot of movement, and long hours, these limitations hit especially hard. That’s why every detail about the accident matters. The more clearly you can show how the injury happened, the better your chances of getting the compensation and support you need. If you need help, make sure to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today. We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson.
We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455